"Four Seaons, Four Years -- The Civil War: A Musical Journey" at the Earlville Opera House on June 8

Her passion and research have led to the creation of "Four Seaons, Four Years -- The Civil War: A Musical Journey" showing at the Earlville Opera House on Friday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The production aired for the first time last fall to three sold-out shows in the Capital District. "Four Seasons, Four Years is an amazing effort perfectly timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Someone needs to get PBS on the phone and get this program to the wider audience it deserves," said reviewer Michael Eck.

The theater/folk production features 11 upstate New York singers and musicians looking at the roots of American folk. "The 1800s birthed a distinct American music by American songwriters," says Spence. These include popular songs of the period as well as songs composed in response to the Civil War and events leading up to it. The songs are woven with historical narrative of the Civil War era relevant to the songs and events in New York state.

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Spence is the organizer of the Old Songs Festival dedicated to preserving traditional folk music and dance. "My interest in the Civil War began in the 1960s while doing family genealogy," she says. "The concert provides a chronological setting for songs that were sung between 1820 and 1865 interspersed with historical narrative. The 1800s birthed a distinct American music by American songwriters. It included the music of the minstrel show, marches, sentimental songs, battle songs, and patriotic songs. These were the songs that the soldiers sang, songs people back home sang, and songs we still sing today to preserve a period of history we all share."

They have joined forces to present this unique show in observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

The songs of this period include African American spirituals, shape-note hymns, marching songs, sentimental songs, patriotic songs and parodies written by 19th century American writers such as Stephen Foster, George F. Root, the Hutchinson Family and Henry C. Work. The cast performs in individual and ensemble performances bringing these songs alive. Audiences are encouraged to join in with the chorus.

Tickets are $16 for the general public, $14 for EOH members, and $11 for students. The EOH is wheelchair-accessible.

For more information, or to reserve seats, call 315-691-3550 or order online at: